“If the study is to succeed, we must have input from local businesses that are willing and able to perform public contracts but may have been deterred from making their interest known to MassDOT or our Participating Partners,” Richard Davey, CEO of the DOT said in a statement. “Only then can we meaningfully evaluate procurement practices and the awarding of contracts to these enterprises.”

A public meeting will be held in Roxbury to introduce the study and gather input from community members and local businesses owners.

The meeting will be held Oct. 16 from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Center located at 1350 Tremont St.

Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd., a minority and women-owned consulting firm will conduct the study for the DOT, said a release from the agency.